Kori Keyser, of Keyser Interiors, designed this room with Andy Paiko's 'Spinning Wheel' as inspiration. The interior decor emphasizes the strong circular pattern in the spinning wheel and the designer chose fabrics and furniture that emulate that motif.

Kori Keyser, of Keyser Interiors, designed this room with Andy Paiko's 'Spinning Wheel' as inspiration. The interior decor emphasizes the strong circular pattern in the spinning wheel and the designer chose fabrics and furniture that emulate that motif. (Photo courtesy Washington Design Center)

Artist Shawn Smith's piece, 'Between 1 and 0,' 2011 features 1-centimeter wood cubes and spray paint, and depicts a fire of sorts. The artwork was the inspiration for a modern lounge interior.

Artist Shawn Smith's piece, 'Between 1 and 0,' 2011 features 1-centimeter wood cubes and spray paint, and depicts a fire of sorts. The artwork was the inspiration for a modern lounge interior. (Photo courtesy Washington Design Center)

Jeff Akseizer and Jamie Brown , Akseizer Design Group, designed this 1960s-era lounge, using the craft piece from artist Shawn Smith for inspiration. The designers used the artwork to spark their creative fires. 'We felt the space needed to be paired with an era where ideas were sparked over...

Jeff Akseizer and Jamie Brown , Akseizer Design Group, designed this 1960s-era lounge, using the craft piece from artist Shawn Smith for inspiration. The designers used the artwork to spark their creative fires. 'We felt the space needed to be paired with an era where ideas were sparked over... (Photo courtesy Washington Design Center)

This Crane Chair, 2009, by Christy Oates features laser-cut and engraved plywood, maple veneer, bungee cord, acrylic paint, and wood dyes. The origami-inspired artwork is a wall piece that turns into a chair.

For its 2012 DreamHome, the Washington Design Center asked a handful of young interior designers to take inspiration for residential spaces from works of craft. Not just from any crafters, but a group of artists whose works are set to be showcased this summer in a Smithsonian exhibition, "40...